Essential Oils for Acne-Prone Skin Type
As we get older, free radical activity increases. What are these free radicals? Well, they can typically come from UV rays, industrial chemicals, and environmental pollution. These free radicals cause oxidative stress on the body, which in turn can lead to premature aging of our skin. However, there is hope! Antioxidants found in various oils can help to neutralize these free radicals, which can alleviate some of the oxidative stress on the body. You'll also notice that almost all of our ingredients are unrefined/‘virgin’ and cold-pressed, as this allows the oils to retain the highest level of beneficial phytoactive compounds and be processed without any solvents or chemicals.
Now let's check out these ingredients. Click each one below to learn more:
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Not sure where to start?
If you are not sure where to start or what essential oils to give a try, here's a fan favorites list along with some of our combo picks to give you some great ideas!
- Chamomile, Lavender, Patchouli or Helichrysum
- Lavender, Rosemary, Grapefruit or Lemongrass
- Sandalwood, Ylang Ylang, Clary Sage or Lavender
- Frankincense, Chamomile, Geranium
- Juniper Berry, Rosemary, Eucalyptus
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Bergamot
Scent: Citrus, yet fruity and sweet with a warm spicy floral quality, and is reminiscent of Neroli
Blends Well With: Clary Sage, Geranium, Orange, Rosemary, Sandalwood, Ylang Ylang
Plant Part: Fruit Peel
Benefits:
i) Antioxidants that can help reduce free radicals and keep the skin looking revitalized and vibrant
ii) Can soothe skin complexion which can help with reducing the appearance of any scars, acne, pigmentation, or blemishes
iii) Can help to unclog pores and balance sebum levels, so it is good for Oily skin types
Certifications: Organic, Vegan, Kosher
Other: Gluten-Free, GMO-Free, 100% Pure & Natural
Processing: Cold Pressed
Origin: Italy
CAUTIONS: This essential oil may contain phototoxic properties and it is suggested to avoid exposure to the sun after application to the skin
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Chamomile
Scent: Herbaceous and fruity, with notes reminiscent of
Green Apple peelBlends Well With: Bergamot, Clary Sage, Lavender, Geranium, Patchouli, Tea Tree, Ylang Ylang
Plant Part: Flower
Benefits:
i) Wound healing: antimicrobial properties may protect against certain types of bacteria, fungi, and viruses
ii) Used to help tame skin inflammation (redness, acne, sunburn, rashes)
iii) May speed up cell regeneration which helps clear the skin
iv) Anti-aging: contains powerful antioxidants including polyphenols and phytochemicals, which may protect the skin from free radical damage
Certifications: Organic, COSMOS, Vegan, Kosher
Other: Gluten-Free, GMO-Free, 100% Pure & Natural
Processing: Steam Distilled
Origin: United Kingdom
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Cinnamon Bark
Scent: Strong aroma, it has a warm, spicy scent between that of clove and cinnamon, with sharper notes
Blends Well With: Lavender, Orange, Ylang Ylang
Plant Part: Bark
Benefits:
i) High in antifungal and antibacterial qualities, which can help combat germs that cause skin problems
ii) High in antioxidants, which can heal the skin and aid in the removal of blemishes and acne scars
iii) Anti-inflammatory qualities that can help to reduce any skin redness and discoloration
Certifications: Organic, Vegan, Kosher
Other: Gluten-Free, GMO-Free, 100% Pure & Natural
Processing: Steam Distilled
Origin: Sri Lanka
CAUTIONS: This has phototoxic properties and exposure to the sun must be avoided after application to the skin.
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Clary Sage
Scent: Herbaceous and sweet, floral scent
Blends Well With: Bergamot, Chamomile, Geranium, Lavender, Orange, Sandalwood, Ylang Ylang
Plant Part: Flowering top of plant
Benefits:
i) Strong anti-inflammatory properties that can help with clearing redness and blotchiness
ii) Antibacterial properties that can help reduce acne
iii) Can help regulate oil production and control greasy skin
iv) Contains antioxidants that can help re-energize the skin cells to repair and regenerate from wrinkles, age spots, skin aging
Certifications: Organic, Vegan, Kosher
Other: Gluten-Free, GMO-Free, 100% Pure & Natural
Processing: Steam Distilled
Origin: France
CAUTIONS: Avoid if pregnant. Otherwise, please consult a physician prior to using this essential oil.
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Eucalyptus
Scent: Strong and fresh camphoraceous aroma with a faint peppermint undertone
Blends Well With: Lavender, Tea Tree
Plant Part: Woods and Leaves
Benefits:
i) Can help with reducing cellulite by eliminating excess oil and impurities while boosting the benefits of your collagen and promoting the synthesis of new cells
ii) Contains anti-inflammatory properties which may be able to reduce the symptoms of acne and eczema
iii) May boost ceramide production, which is a fatty acid that helps the skin retain moisture
iv) Rich in antioxidants that can protect the body from oxidative stress and damage from harmful free radicals
Certifications: Organic, Vegan, Kosher
Other: Gluten-Free, GMO-Free, 100% Pure & Natural
Processing: Steam Distilled
Origin: Australia
CAUTIONS: Avoid if you have high blood pressure or epilepsy
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Frankincense
Scent: Warm, spicy, woody balsamic aroma
Blends Well With: Bergamot, Chamomile, Cinnamon Bark, Clary Sage, Geranium
Plant Part: Resin
Benefits:
i) Can help with eczema, burns, bites, rashes, and other inflammatory skin conditions
ii) Is a cicatrizant, which means it can speed wound healing through the formation of scar tissue
iii) Can help to tone and rejuvenate aging skin
iv) Can help to clear acne, and minimize the appearance of fine lines, wrinkles, and scars
v) Displays anti-microbial qualities which can help prevent infection and eliminate unwanted bacteria from the skin
Certifications: Organic, Vegan, Kosher
Other: Gluten-Free, GMO-Free, 100% Pure & Natural
Processing: Steam Distilled
Origin: India
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Geranium
Scent: Strong aroma, sweet and herbaceous, carrying some subtle notes similar to Rose
Blends Well With: Bergamot, Clary Sage, Grapefruit, Juniper, Lavender, Lemongrass
Plant Part: Leaves and Flowers
Benefits:
i) Antibacterial and soothing anti-inflammatory properties, which can help in the treatment of acne, dermatitis, and skin diseases
ii) Can help to balance sebum production, heal scars, and even skin tone
iii) An astringent, and can therefore tighten skin, which can help to reduce the presence of wrinkles, and potentially slow premature aging
Certifications: Organic, Vegan, Kosher
Other: Gluten-Free, GMO-Free, 100% Pure & Natural
Processing: Steam Distilled
Origin: Egypt
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Grapefruit
Scent: Fresh, sweet, citrus scent that is characteristic of the fruit
Blends Well With: Grapefruit Pink blends well with other citrus oils, as well as with Rosemary, Lavender, Geranium, and most other spice oils
Plant Part: Peel
Benefits:
i) Can help to soothe acne; the vitamins keep the skin nourished while the antibacterial properties are helpful for fighting off bacteria that cause pimples
ii) Bromelain, a beneficial enzyme found in grapefruit essential oil, is abundant and can help to break down and dissolve harmful unsaturated fat collected between the muscles and the skin. Can also help improve the flow of toxins and reduce them which in turn, helps get rid of cellulite
iii) Can help purify the pores and clear your skin which helps with blocked pores, blackheads, and whiteheads
Certifications: Organic, Vegan, Kosher
Other: Gluten-Free, GMO-Free, 100% Pure & Natural
Processing: Cold Pressed
Origin: USA
CAUTIONS: This essential oil may contain phototoxic properties and it is suggested to avoid exposure to the sun after application to the skin.
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Helichrysum
Scent: Dry, spicy scent as well as the sweet, musty scent of roasted sugar
Blends Well With: Chamomile, Lavender, Clary Sage, and any of the oils from the citrus oil family
Plant Part: Flowering top of plant
Benefits:
i) Anti-inflammatory and Antimicrobial which can help with the healing of scars, redness, blemishes, rashes
ii) Strong antioxidant and antibacterial properties that can help reduce acne
iii) Can help to promote healthy skin cell regeneration and a glowing, youthful complexion
Certifications: Organic, Vegan, Kosher
Other: Gluten-Free, GMO-Free, 100% Pure & Natural
Processing: Steam Distilled
Origin: Bosnia and Herzegovina
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Juniper Berry
Scent: Fresh, rich, balsamic scent reminiscent of pine needles
Blends Well With: Clary Sage, Sandalwood, Bergamot, Geranium, Rosemary, Chamomile, Eucalyptus
Plant Part: Berries
Benefits:
i) Can help to minimize the appearance of cellulite by encouraging proper drainage of water in the lymphatic system, which gets rid of water retention that causes inflammation. The oil can also help to promote the rejuvenation of your skin tissue, thus helping to reduce dimples
ii) Can help with clearing up acne by unclogging pores and cleansing oily skin, therefore soothing the skin and stopping breakouts
iii) Helps to soothe skin irritations
Certifications: Organic, Vegan, Kosher
Other: Gluten-Free, GMO-Free, 100% Pure & Natural
Processing: Steam Distilled
Origin: Bulgaria
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Lavandin Grosso
Scent: Strong aroma, camphor-like smell with some light, floral undertones characteristic of Lavender
Blends Well With: Lavender and most other oils, but it has a tendency to overpower them with its heavy camphor overtones
Plant Part: Flowering tops
Benefits:
i) Can help to improve blood circulation and stimulate keratinocyte proliferation, which promotes the regeneration of the epidermis and in turn can help to diminish the appearance of stretch marks, surgical marks, or scars related to acne
ii) Anti-aging benefits, anti-inflammatory properties, and antimicrobial properties
iii) Can help to speed up the healing of wounds, cuts, and surgical incisions and also protect them from infections
Certifications: Organic, Vegan, Kosher
Other: Gluten-Free, GMO-Free, 100% Pure & Natural
Processing: Steam Distilled
Origin: France
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Lavender
Scent: Rich floral scent
Blends Well With: Bergamot, Chamomile, Clary Sage, Geranium, Orange, Palmarosa, Patchouli, Rosemary, Ylang Ylang
Plant Part: Flower
Benefits:
i) Kills bacteria, which can help prevent and heal acne breakouts
ii) Can help to balance the skin tone by healing dark and uneven patches of skin. It may improve blood flow to skin cells
iii) Can help to repair damaged skin, and heal wounds, cuts, and abrasions
Certifications: Organic, COSMOS, Vegan, Kosher
Other: Gluten-Free, GMO-Free, 100% Pure & Natural
Processing: Steam Distillation
Origin: Bulgaria
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Lemongrass
Scent: Strong fresh earthy, citrusy scent
Blends Well With: Lavender, Rosemary
Plant Part: Leaves
Benefits:
i) Can help to dissolve subcutaneous fat beneath the surface of the skin through tissue circulation and reduction in fluid retention, which diminishes the appearance of cellulite
ii) Natural astringent which can help to control and reduce excessive oily skin, which also helps to fight acne
iii) Can help to tone and firm the skin by reducing sagging facial skin and by shrinking large skin pores
Certifications: Organic, Vegan, Kosher
Other: Gluten-Free, GMO-Free, 100% Pure & Natural
Processing: Steam Distillation
Origin: India
CAUTION: Avoid if you have glaucoma, prostatic hyperplasia, skin hypersensitivity, or damaged skin.
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Litsea Cubeba
Scent: Citrus smell. It has been compared to Lemongrass but it is sweeter than Lemongrass without the musty note
Blends Well With: Bergamot, Geranium, Rosemary, Ylang Ylang
Plant Part: Fruit
Benefits:
i) Mild astringent properties and therefore can help clear out the acne-causing bacteria from your pores. It can also help to reduce existing flare-ups
ii) Contains antibacterial and anti-inflammatory properties which can help to normalize the cellulitis
iii) Can help to repair and renew skin cells which helps your skin to protect itself from free radicals (to prevent premature aging and maintain a youthful glow)
Certifications: Organic, Vegan, Kosher
Other: GMO-Free
Processing: Steam Distilled
Origin: China
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Palmarosa
Scent: Sharp, floral note with a hint of rose
Blends Well With: Geranium, Bergamot, Sandalwood
Plant Part: Grass
Benefits:
i) Can help to fight off free radicals, which results in a more glowing, clear, youthful complexion
ii) Antioxidant, antimicrobial, and antibacterial properties
iii) Hydrates the skin
iv) Can help with wound healing
Certifications: Organic, Vegan, Kosher
Other: Gluten-Free, GMO-Free, 100% Pure & Natural
Processing: Steam Distilled
Origin: India
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Patchouli
Scent: Earthy aroma with light fruity notes
Blends Well With: Sandalwood, Bergamot, Orange
Plant Part: Leaves
Benefits:
i) Can help to heal scars and blemishes
ii) Can help to reduce the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles
iii) Contains astringent properties which can help to dry up excess skin cells that may be causing symptoms related to various skin conditions
iv) Antioxidant nutrients can protect against free radicals
Certifications: Organic, Vegan, Kosher
Other: Gluten-Free, GMO-Free, 100% Pure & Natural
Processing: Steam Distilled
Origin: India
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Rose Geranium
Scent: Typical of geranium but with a rosy note
Blends Well With: Bergamot, Clary Sage, Geranium, Ho Wood, Lavender, Palmarosa, Sandalwood
Plant Part: Leaves
Benefits:
i) Known for its dermatological use for the treatment of aging, wrinkled, and/or dry skin, as it has the power to help minimize the look of wrinkles because it can help tighten facial skin and slow down the effects of aging
ii) Antioxidants that can help with treating skin-related problems
iii) Can help to diminish the appearance of enlarged pores
iv) Astringent that can brighten the skin and remove dead skin cells
Certifications: Organic, Vegan, Kosher
Other: Gluten-Free, GMO-Free, 100% Pure & Natural
Processing: Steam Distilled
Origin: South Africa
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Rosemary
Scent: Strong, woody, and herbal scent
Blends Well With: Bergamot, Cedarwood, Orange
Plant Part: Herb
Benefits:
i) Due to its antibacterial qualities, can help fight acne bacteria from getting into your pores
ii) Natural astringent, which means it can help shrink pores and tighten the appearance of your complexion
iii) Natural antioxidant, meaning it can protect your skin against free radicals (which helps to prevent premature signs of aging)
iv) Can help with under-eye bags (has diuretic properties which can help drive fluid out of tissues where it’s applied)
v) Anti-inflammatory which may help soothe the appearance of redness caused by various skin conditions
Certifications: Organic, COSMOS, Vegan, Kosher
Other: Gluten-Free, GMO-Free, 100% Pure & Natural
Processing: Steam Distilled
Origin: Morocco
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Sandalwood
Scent: Medium aroma, balsamic with a soft, sweet, rich, woody aroma
Blends Well With: Ylang Ylang, Patchouli
Plant Part: Wood
Benefits:
i) Natural astringent that can help trigger the skin to repair itself from any minor contractions that are caused by shaving, acne scars, or other skin irritations
ii) High in antioxidants and therefore can help with reducing the amount of free radicals
iii) Can help with evening out the skin tone
Certifications: Organic, Vegan, Kosher
Other: Gluten-Free, GMO-Free, 100% Pure & Natural
Processing: Steam Distilled
Origin: Australia
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Sweet Orange
Scent: Sweet, citrus smell like the orange peels from which it is derived, but more intense and concentrated
Blends Well With: Lavender, Bergamot, Clary Sage, Sandalwood, Cinnamon Bark
Plant Part: Fruit peel
Benefits:
i) Acne fighter: antibacterial, antiviral, and anti-inflammatory properties that can help to treat acne
ii) Can control oil: can help to reduce the secretion of excess sebum and maintains your skin’s natural oil balance
iii) Rich source of Vitamin C and methoxylated bioflavonoids, which can help to treat scars, blemishes, dark spots, tighten the skin, promote blood circulation, and address cell imbalances that lead to cellulite
iv) Anti-aging: abundance of antioxidant compounds which can prevent and reduce signs of aging by fighting off free radicals and boosting collagen production
Certifications: Organic, Vegan, Kosher
Other: Gluten-Free, GMO-Free, 100% Pure & Natural
Processing: Cold Pressed
Origin: USA
CAUTIONS: This essential oil may contain phototoxic properties and it is suggested to avoid exposure to the sun after application to the skin
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Star Anise
Scent: Strong aroma, has a scent similar to Licorice and Aniseed, but stronger
Blends Well With: Lavender, Orange, Cinnamon Bark
Plant Part: Seeds
Benefits:
i) High level of antioxidants that can help to reduce the appearance of wrinkles
ii) Rich in Vitamin A that can help to improve problematic skin conditions such as acne by helping to normalize oil production, leaving skin less oily and more balanced
iii) Rich in antioxidants and Vitamins A and C, which can help to fight free radicals, lighten dark spots and patches, and maintain skin firmness
iv) The vitamin C in star anise can help to accelerate cell turnover, replacing the damaged cells with healthy new ones
Certifications: Organic, Vegan, Kosher
Other: Gluten-Free, GMO-Free, 100% Pure & Natural
Processing: Steam Distillation
Origin: Vietnam
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Tea Tree
Scent: Fresh, slightly medicinal scent with characteristic woody, camphoraceous notes
Blends Well With: Cinnamon Bark, Clary Sage, Geranium, Lavender, Rosemary
Plant Part: Leaves and Twigs
Benefits:
i) Can help to reduce the inflammation due to acne
ii) Soothing element for dry and irritated skin. It can help moisturize your skin and reduce flakiness
iii) Can help to maintain the oil balance of your skin and remove the surface oil without drying out your skin
Certifications: Organic, Vegan, Kosher
Other: Gluten-Free, GMO-Free, 100% Pure & Natural
Processing: Steam Distillation
Origin: China
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Yarrow
Scent: Medium aroma, sweet and herbaceous, with spicy tones
Blends Well With: Chamomile
Plant Part: Flowers
Benefits:
i) Can help to tighten the skin and reduce skin pores. As this is high in Vitamin E, it can help delay the aging of the skin
ii) Has antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties which can help with cleaning out bacteria responsible for pimples and acne
iii) Cicatrisant – which can aid the body in healing wounds that might reduce scarring from acne as well as other wounds
Certifications: Organic, Vegan, Kosher
Other: Gluten-Free, GMO-Free, 100% Pure & Natural
Processing: Steam Distillation
Origin: Bulgaria
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Ylang Ylang
Scent: Sweet, exotic, floral scent
Blends Well With: Bergamot, Grapefruit, Lavender, Sandalwood
Plant Part: Flowers
Benefits:
i) Can help with balancing excess oil production on the skin
ii) Anti-inflammatory and antibacterial agents can help to cleanse dead cells and restrain bacterial infection which helps with treating acne
iii) Can help prevent skin irritation and skin aging
iv) Moisturizes the skin through hydrating properties found in the oil
Certifications: Vegan, Kosher
Other: Gluten-Free, GMO-Free, 100% Pure & Natural
Processing: Steam Distillation
Origin: Madagascar
CAUTIONS: It can cause sensitivity in some people; excessive use of it may lead to headaches and nausea.